The West Liberty City Council sold city acquired property after hosting a public hearing to sell property at 115 East Third Street in downtown West Liberty, getting a bid of $18,000 from Frank Wagner and Emily Geertz, representing WLFE LLC to restore, repair and renovate the commercial space and apartment that had a minimum bid level of $9,000.
The company gave detailed renovation plans of the property that was once designated to become the new city hall but fell apart when a demolition to the rear of the building took more of the building than initially anticipated, forcing the council to look at other options. Since, the city has agreed with engineers to remodel the present city hall at the corner of Calhoun and Fourth Streets. The city had invested over $100,000 in razing the rear portion abandoned structure the city had condemned and obtained.
The new property owners proposed to restore the front of the façade/entrance of the building to the “greatest extent possible,” following the example of the neighboring WeLead building.
The new owners plan to renovate the first floor for commercial use, gutting the entire space and installing all new mechanics including HVAC, electrical and plumbing including two restrooms and a kitchen area.
The second floor of the building will be gutted and renovated into two apartments, again installing all new heating and air conditioning, as well as electrical and plumbing for a new kitchen, full bath, washer/dryer and installing hardwood floors in each unit.
The rear apartment will have egress windows as required by code and a new rear entrance and deck will be added.
The new owners also plan to replace the roof, add gutters and downspouts.
The pair said all efforts will be made to restore the historical integrity of the building while providing “21st century commercial and residential space.”
The pair have experience in restoring historical buildings in both West Liberty as well as Iowa City, including a building at 116 E. Third Street.
The council failed to get a bid on the city acquired property at 505 East First Street and will be forced to repost the property for a new public hearing.
The council also approved an amendment to the fee schedule in the city’s code of ordinances. The city provided a list of proposed fee schedules, from increasing disconnection notices for electric and water by $10 to $20 to doubling fees for notary services to $10.
The schedule also includes ambulance service fees, ranging from $620 to $725 plus various other fees depending on the needs of a patient.
The city is looking at fees for water, wastewater, garbage, recycling and storm sewer, as well as looking at fees for building zones and subdivisions, park shelters and recreation use including the pool, streets, fire, police fines, cemetery fees, public library fees, senior community center rental costs and other services.
The council was provided a list of fees in every category. The city is in the process of completing a number of surveys regarding fees, comparing services to other cities of similar size as well as looking at history.